The training programme consists of 10 courses, namely: First Aid, Leisure & Resort, Front Office, Customer Care, Marketing & Tourism Awareness, Agroforestry, Banana Fiber, Tour Guiding, Kitchen Assistant, Housekeeping, and Crafting. At the end of this programme, it is expected that there will be an improved quality of service in tourism facilities, as well as strengthened skills among lodge owners in administration, management, marketing, safety, and hygiene. Additionally, the program aims to empower local communities, with an emphasis on strengthening the role of women through training in food production and distribution. The project also seeks to stimulate growth in the tourism industry by promoting eco-friendly practices and enhancing the skills of local stakeholders in the sector. 

Nazara Kranenburg, Acting Director of SHTTC, stated that the chosen training courses are not only aligned with tourism but also contribute to the self-sufficiency of the communities. According to her, the training sessions will be delivered in collaboration with several partners with whom SHTTC has established partnerships. These include: Stichting Go Bana, Tropenbos, and the Red Cross. 

The Acting Director of SHTTC emphasized that the programme was developed in  consultation with village leaders and other stakeholders. She referred to the “krutu” (traditional village meeting) held on June 24, 2025, in Pokigron. During that meeting, the plans were presented and received support from the community. This collaboration is of great importance to SHTTC because sustainable development can only be achieved through solid cooperation. Everyone heard, and based on that input, the training package was refined. 

Kranenburg further mentioned that the services of   Captain Albert Jeroe, is rendered to mobilize and recruit participants from the communities. 

A UNDP grant with funds from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is supporting this training. SHTTC is responsible for implementation, while the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management, supported by the project management unit, will oversee the execution. 

Ruben Martoredjo, Programme Analyst for Social Development and SDG Integration, stated on behalf of the Deputy Resident Representative, Berdi Berdiyev, that the training programme is expected to be implemented in an effective, efficient, and goal-oriented manner, ensuring that both project milestones and indicators of the ASL2 project are achieved within the set timelines. He emphasized the importance of open and transparent collaboration and communication, particularly with the Project Management Unit (PMU), to ensure that challenges and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. As a committed partner, UNDP reaffirmed that its doors remain open, highlighting the shared goal of achieving the project’s objectives and creating lasting, positive impact for both the people and the environment in Suriname. He went on to emphasize the importance of an inclusive approach, one that prioritizes gender equality, cultural sensitivity, and the active engagement of all relevant stakeholders. This programme directly contributes to five of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals 4, 8, 9, 12, and 17.  

The training programme will begin on August 25, 2025, and conclude on September 25, 2025.